Rare 'Sea Panda' DNA Found in Hong Kong Waters

Scientists have identified traces of the critically endangered Chinese bahaba in western Hong Kong waters, the first such scientific discovery in the city in over ten years. This elusive fish, often called the 'Panda of the Sea,' was detected through environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis rather than physical capture. The findings, announced on July 23, 2026, stem from seawater samples collected between January and September 2025. These samples revealed the fish's genetic material at four key sites, including Tai O. The presence of the Chinese bahaba, a species heavily overfished for its valuable swim bladder and classified as critically endangered, had not been scientifically recorded in Hong Kong for more than a decade. The research, led by academics from Lingnan University and South China Normal University, utilized a newly developed eDNA test to identify the species. This method offers a less invasive way to monitor biodiversity compared to traditional capture-based surveys, potentially aiding conservation efforts and evaluating the success of juvenile release programs. The findings coincide with a release of approximately 1,300 juvenile bahaba into the Pearl River Estuary in August 2025, suggesting some of these young fish may have migrated into Hong Kong's waters. While the DNA evidence confirms the fish's recent presence, it does not indicate population numbers or confirm the survival of a wild population, as the traces could originate from the released juveniles.